Asked by: Sally-Ann Hart (Conservative - Hastings and Rye)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the Local Housing Allowance to cover at least the cheapest third of rents in Hastings and Rye constituency.
Answered by Mims Davies - Shadow Minister (Women)
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) determines the maximum amount of housing support for those renting in the private rented sector. LHA is not intended to meet all rents in all areas.
When considering LHA, the Government recognises the importance of providing support for the most vulnerable in society whilst balancing fairness to the taxpayer.
LHA rates are being maintained are their current levels for 2023/24.
The 30th percentile of local rents calculated for the Sussex East Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA) (which covers Hastings and Rye) for the period October 2021 to September 2022 are:
30th percentile rental data
SAR | 1 bed | 2 bed | 3 bed | 4 bed |
£82.10 | £132.33 | £172.60 | £218.63 | £276.16 |
The 30th percentile presents the closest available data to the lowest third of rents.
Current LHA rates for Sussex East BRMA
SAR | 1 bed | 2 bed | 3 bed | 4 bed |
£74.79 | £115.07 | £149.59 | £195.62 | £230.14 |
NB - The figures in the tables represent weekly amounts
The difference in the tables would not always be received in full in a benefit award calculation due to varying household circumstances such as income levels.